The Metaphrastion

o the south of the Library, a building of the same style serves as a center for the translation of ancient languages and losses. The copyists who work here know all kinds of languages, some of them already lost languages, even if only in bits and pieces. The building outwardly resembles a rectangular temple with the effigy of Ephara on its pediment and reliefs of copyists arguing on either side of the goddess. A row of columns surrounds the building which is accessed by four large doors, one on each side of the Metaphrastion. The two-story interior has a first floor filled with tables where translators are always copying books and tablets. The second floor opens to the ground floor on a balustraded terrace. A sculpture of Ephara with her right arm raising her scrolls watches over the work from the back of this floor, which is accessed by stairs on either side and is constantly guarded by guards. Here are the original texts to be translated, many of them from distant lands, and even from the time of the Age of Thrax. When a text or volume is finished, it is returned to the Library along with its translation. Among the copyists working here, Eplites the Elder is noted for his knowledge of languages and signs. He is said to know every accent and language of Theros and has on occasion been called upon as a translator for the Twelve of Meletis on visits by foreign retinues from far away lands.